With several players either under the weather or banged up, the Nationals were hoping a day off would get everyone back to 100 percent. That wasn't, however, the case. Though both Bryce Harper and Denard Span are feeling better after battling the flu and will start tonight's series opener against the Mets, Danny Espinosa (hand) and Ryan Zimmerman (hamstring) will not.

The Nats would like to have every available batter in their lineup against Mets rookie Matt Harvey, who has allowed only six total hits in 22 innings this season. Yes, six hits in 22 innings. This kid looks special. Stephen Strasburg, of course, is special in his own right, and tonight he'll look to outduel his fellow 24-year-old right-hander.

I'm not in New York for this series, but please keep up the conversation here as always…

These guys are both young and inexperienced enough to be unpredictable. I would love to see Stras have a good game, not for the media circus, but because we need to see him pitching well going forward.

They need Tyler Moore in there … a lineup featuring Lombo + Span + Tracy does not scare anyone. And LaRoche is still finding his way. Harper is all they've got in the power department. And given time to get his rhythm Moore might the bigger home run threat.

If you listen to the media, it doesn't matter who is in the lineup. They have anointed Harvey as the new pitching god. I just want to see our players play well. Whatever happens, happens–just play a good game.

Folks, it's going to be a long game for us Nats fans. Stras let the error get to him and looks lost right now. 2 runs down to Harvey after 1 is two too many. Hunker down. Ignore the trolls and remember how blessed we are to be enjoying the simple game of baseball. Then, let's hope the Nats break this funk and get on a big time roll starting tomorrow!

Strasburg is simply a shell of what he was 2 years ago. Matt Harvey is what Strasburg was 2 years ago. Very disappointing. I would already take Harvey over him without question. And listening to FP say they have to give Desmond an error because Strasburg might throw a no-hitter is beyond comical. He can't even make through 6 innings.

Erik you right Stras should Harvey as thay is how use to pitch.Desmond was to casual on the ball hit to him. No excuse.Strasburg also way to casual on the mound.I see the official scorer realize he paid no intention to what happen.

Does anybody really think Stras is an automatic Win??? Hes are 4th pitcher right now. Is Chad Tracy on the team because Matt Stairs wasn't available? What a joke. Very frustrating. This keeps up we will have no meaningful baseball in August.

Raise your hand if you think Zimmerman is sitting because Davey thought this would be a 1-run game and he was terrified Zimmerman would throw another one away to lose the game again. My hand is certainly in the air.

There is No goon squad this year. Bernadina nothing. put the ball in play and we get another run. I just don't recognize this team. It just doesn't have it. Hopefully they will get it and soon. Sure miss Michael Morse.

This year's version of the Nats don't seem to have that late inning determination going on. Have we come from behind at all yet? Seems like if we get a lead first we might hold on if it's big enough, if they get a lead, we fold. Hard not to start feeling a little discouraged.

9 wins. 5 against the fish (worst team in league) 3 against an AL team who had no idea how to play NL ball. Cards and Reds coming in. could we be under .500 after next weekend? or sooner? Gonna stop the doom now, but man its looking BLEEK.

It is amazing we are ,9-7. Starters have only had 2 who have impressed. None in the bullpen have pitched well (HROd actually better than many there). Hitters to inconsistent, and fielding worse in the league.All that said 9-7.Once they get it going they should be fine.Problem so few pitchers seem engaged in the game.

Less Platu. HAHAHHA I feel you baby. No way this team turns on a switch and just starts playing well. FP saying don't panic. Im not panicking. Why panic over mediocrity. I luv the NATS. I will keep watching. And I hope I am dead wrong. But this team is not finishing over .500

I actually have not watched much of the game tonight. I have been watching real life heroes on another channel. Baseball is a diversion, a sometimes cruel, fickle diversion, kind of like now. But something heroic happened tonight and people can sleep easier. I am concerned about the Nats , however- to quote a movie character– they appear to have no " marbles" right now. No spark . What's up with that? Hope things get better soon.

My main problem with this team (other than the bullpen which has been absolutely horrible) is that it doesn't appear like the batters make any adjustments when they're down a few runs. Swinging early in counts and swinging for the fences when we need base runners more than anything. It seems like we get blown out at least once in each series and in the blowout, we never seriously put up any fight whatsoever. Its so confusing to me because in the White Sox series, we were grinding out at bats and getting two out hits to keep the inning alive… Keeping the line moving. I'm sure we'll get the same old song and dance in the press conference after this one, but its getting real old real fast. I'm pulling for Gio tomorrow and JZimm on Sunday.

My theory is that they never recovered from the Game 5 loss. Instead of finding ways to win, every game seems to be a repeat of the collapse. They may never recover until the mental wreckage is cleaned out. Unfortunately, that is a lot of our core talent.

the team is playing poorly, yet still 9-7. blowout losses are a concern. i do think itsa nlds hangover expecting failure results in failure. weight of expectations. storen looks like damaged goods. strasburg looks confused. big challenge for davey. can he get the boys back to having fun and playing winning baseball. nats have a beaat, name is tyler moore. needs to play. by july 4 Rendon will be at 2b, Tracy DFA'd. this is a team still searching for an identity. al is figuring out morse. avg under .260 has to hit 280 or bettet to have value time to move on and root for the guys here vice living in the past. gyfng!!!!

I don't believe for one minute that Morse alone would be making the difference right now. Would he make Stras and Gio better? Would he have had seven rbi's? I felt during spring training that things were quite lackadaisical , get your work in and play golf, veterans know what they need- just a few at bats, they don't like bus rides to away games. I thought they were supposed to be practicing. Anyway- who will emerge as a leader? Who will step up? We shall see. So far only JZ and Det seem to be able to pitch. I hope Gio has his act together tomorrow and sets a tone. Besides, if Morsecwas still here it would be for one year and we would not have Either Span or ALR- and they are not terrible .

I honestly don't understand this Moore savior complex. He's really not that good. Zimmerman is supposed to be the leader but he needs a shrink. Werth seems to have mental toughness, but that's about it. I don't see a solution right now.

I honestly don't understand this Moore savior complex. He's really not that good.He has the ceiling, the potential to be as good as Morse. He's a bat that pitchers would come to fear. No one is a savior not even Harper. In Harper's case he became effective in helping the Nats win at the end because he had Werth tutoring him and batting in front of him last season. Nor is Rendon a savior.The point is to build a balanced, potent offense. The lineup today was definitely not even close …

The poor play of the Nats is truly puzzling. We are all grasping at any theory. I don't know about you, but I just feel something missing, something not working. The pieces are there. I think they are all talented , high quality young men who will do all that they can to make things better. I am sure that they are confused and frustrated as all get out. Maybe it's as simple as forgetting it's a fun game and pressing too much. Time will tell. Hoping for the best. Sometimes I hate this game.

And I'm still wondering whether or not Rizzo might send Storen to Syracuse to work himself out of this funk he's in. He hasn't been completely right since he came back from the bone chip removal surgery. I guess he's waiting for things to warm up a bit in upstate NY.

I don't know about you, but I just feel something missing, something not working. Rizzo 'fixed' what wasn't broke. He needs to let Werth lead off and bat Harper second and get Moore in the lineup for Morse. Then you'd see a similar lineup to what they had last season. It is possible that the Nats miss Morse's locker room presence. But I doubt that … its on the field and at the plate chemistry that is missing.

The hitting problem stems from Zimmerman and LaRoche. It really is quite amazing that Harper is hitting as well as he has given he gets no protection from the middle of the lineup. But this team is not built on hitting, but pitching and defense. Both have broken down. And, yes, we need a LOOGY.

Swami; good points, but we retained Morse, we would still have Span. We wouldn't have Laroche though. Last year we got spoiled with laroche. He carried this team april and may — but normally he doesn't hit until the All Star Break.And LaRoche seems to have reverted to normal.

Well, what did anyone expect from a team whose GM fatally weakened it the offseason? Where is Manager of the Year's magic now? The lineup tonight was a disgrace. A thirdbaseman who can't throw; an ace who can't throw strikes, a lights out pitcher named the #5, a washed up Homerun machine the #4 — worst defense in MLB, a bullpen with one lefty — a reliever who cant throw strikes, another whose head is farther gone than his arm, a second baseman who hits less than his weight? What did you expect?

I mentioned this a day or so. I actually think Peric has a decent idea to send Storen down, let him pitch through whatever it is that is wrong, work it out and get someone else up here who can get people out. The kid is 25 and it will not be the end of the world for him. Storen is not the entire problem but it is one that can get fixed. He has options and we should use that. As for the errors, I just don't understand. To me, errors are lack of focus and I can accept a few in the course of the year but I think they have an error per game. Just crazy. OK – win the last two and lets come home and turn this around.

I don't think sending Storen down will solve anything. I think we should trade him and get the most value possible. Let him start over. This happens to closers, and they can still have a good career in another environment.

Nats are 9-7 and not the 2012 Twins, yet. There are several red flags that I see, most of which can be worked out with time and some that need to be dealt with soon. Tracy and Shark I believe played above their heads last season. Morse is gone, nothing can be done aboutit now, but I bet Rizzo privately knows he made a mistake. Strass is only average right now. I believe Gio, Zim and Det are above average and Haren is a bust period. Defense play is unacceptable even at the high school level and now it has gotten old! That is perhaps the most baffling thing to me at this point.the 7th inning was one of the worst at bats I have ever seen by a Nats team an. Storen keeps reminding me of game 5very very discouraging right now

I remember 1969 Senators finished 86-76. In 1970 they traded all star Ken McMullen in April to Angels for a future prospect Aurilio Rodriguez, he ended up being a solid player with the Tigers a few years later. Chemisry was lost in club house. Players like Casey Cox, Lee Maye and Mike Epstein played awful compared to the year before. Ted Williams was manager of the year just like Davey was last seasonSenators went from 86-76 to 68-94 finished,is this de ja vu??

16 games in and 1/10 of the season. Instant error threw Stras out of his rhythm from the start. I know FP and Bob read here. FP mentioned later in the game the error and Stras rhythm and Bob said Storen threw a slurve. Those 2 comments we're my highlights in a game that was all about Harvey. Don't worry about Stras.

I don't like the idea, but Storen needs to sort it out at 'Cuse.It's too bad, but he needs to get back to what he did in 2011 and post-ASG last year. Not sure what Drew's not right with, but neither is he!!!

Senators went from 86-76 to 68-94 finished,is this de ja vu??Accch if you are going to talk about the expansion team? Oh well maybe you've been drinking. Look Joe Coleman was the key to that trade. He was the better pitcher to Bosman and he had the kind of ceiling JZimmn and Detwiler have. Waiting in the wings they had Pete Broberg who was supposed to be like Stras.In his defense (and Bob Short was a horrible GM and owner) Short went out and got Curt Flood. Curt Flood is like getting Lou Brock except Flood could play CF far, far, far, far, far better than can Mr. Span. The guy could stand pretty close to behind the second base bag race all the way back to get flies at the warning track. BUT Flood had taken a nice year or so off. He along with Andy Messersmith had decided to sue major league baseball over their inability to get free agency. They won. But when Flood came back he couldn't hit. He had just spent far too much time in Europe. Had previously played with a winning franchise (the Cardinals) and just couldn't do probably for many reasons. He quit early. There goes your chemistry when that happens and Denny the Dick flops.Casey Cox! Casey Cox! That guy couldn't make the Syracuse AAA roster nor Harrisburg's AA Senator's roster. Neither could Jim Hannan. They were fodder filler to eat innings. They weren't the key to the Nats pitching at the time. They traded Epstein so that their best hitter, Frank Howard could get out of the outfield. Of course then they went out and got Rick Reichardt who just might have been even worse than Frank Howard in left field. In fact I am sure he was. They still had Del Unser who ended up becoming quite the nifty outfielder once Ted had taught the lefty how to hit. They had Eddie Stroud. They ended up with guys like Don Mincher … Eventually they brought up the kiddy corps … Billingsley at catcher, Toby Harrah for shortstop, Pete Broberg for the rotation and Jeff Burroughs who was suppose to be a future superstar. NOT. Short traded key players for a future jailbird who wasn't worth crap … while the Tigers got Coleman to go with Mickey Lolich. Plus a pretty decent left side of the infield. Toby Harrah was probably a better choice than Brinkman but you are supposed to wait until younger players are ready before bringing them up … and abruptly. Although Davey seems to have managed it … that wasn't Teddy ballgame's thing … he preferred to let player development develop players for him … so he kept sending Dave Nelson down and insisted on non-hitting average fielding Tim Cullen at second base? And the players used to make ridicule Williams … many were anti-Williams according to Boz. That hurts chemistry and probably why Williams lost his job when they moved to Texas.

I think Stras's mechanics may be a little off. He seems to lose balance as he lands, especially when he is not on the stretch. I'm not the expert, but it seems he's over-pitching. They need to cut down his pitches, or he's at risk for an injury.

but it seems he's over-pitching. They need to cut down his pitches, or he's at risk for an injury.I find that really pretty interesting … letting Stras go that many pitches … I'm not sure why but I don't think its wise particularly this early. Even if the guy says he wants to be "the horse". They need him down the stretch. By doing this Davey seems almost like he is saying this season is already over … ??? Its very bizarre.

There was also Tom Grieve Mick … and they did get Tommy McCraw. With the right GM and those draft picks the old Nats could've become very good very fast … and that is why the Texans got rid of Short in short order so-to-speak. Minnesoda did the same with Calvin & sons as well for the same reason.This team has solid ownership and a very good GM. They have an experienced manager. They have talent … but as Davey admitted (at least in terms of the bullpen) he hasn't blended things together very well yet. Makes me wonder more-and-more about whether that was a veiled statement about his intent to do some switching with the Chiefs. But we'll see.

Ah, same old stuff. This lineup is so boring and predictable. Bases loaded, no outs, strike-out, foul pop, ground out; thank you and good night. We have no punch and if you notice just 2 games from .500. Go Red Sox!!!!

PericI was talking about Senators from 69-70. The McClain deal was in 1971. Coleman, Brinkman were still with Nats in 1970. that was my point, McMullen was the player they traded for young Rodriguez, that was the only change from 1970!In fact, in 1970, Coleman pitched 5 straight shutouts at one time. Harrah and Grieve came up for stints in 1970 and were not full time until 1971 after the awful McClain deal.Expansion you say, they were in their 10th year!

also Tommy McCraw came in 1971 as wellWhat was sad was that Denver was the Senators farm team and they were loaded with talent, Jeff Burroughs (eventual AL MVP in 1974). Len Randle (head case) but a future All star, Grieve you mentioned, and Toby Harrah both future was an All stars as well, and all star catcher Jim Sundberg.Elliot Maddox thye got in McClian 71 trade ended up being a majorplayer for Yankees 77-78 WS teams.Dave Nelson was solid 2 nd basemen they had in 1970.So, my point was that the 70 team was the SAME minus Ken mcMullen

Since the beginning, Stras has not been able to handle even the least little bump in the road, bad mound, error, icy hot, rain. He just can't roll with anything at all. Can't pitch in a vacuum, stuff happens. Too bad he is married, he really needs Annie Savoy. JZim and Det are the stalwarts right now and they have similar ways of going about their work, no messing around out there, get the ball and throw strikes- yes, fastballs, similar mental toughness. Again I ask- who in the clubhouse is going to pull them together and get a grip.

well said swami… I think Stras is immature at times, so was Jim Palmer when he was young, but he turned out OK. then again he had Earl Weaver kicking him in his ass when needed. I think Davey needs to start getting in some of these guys faces. the fielding errors are bizarre right now, sjm is correct

They just need to start playing this game with fear and ignorance. Anyway- it's been an awful week, especially in Boston and Texas. Hug your loved ones and try to enjoy our national pastime. Oh. And thank a law enforcement professional- they are the heroes, not the pro athletes. Go Nats!!!!

Thanks, mick. It's an ongoing project, tracking 30 guys for the season, see how they do. Gives you a little perspective. Yes, it's great that the Mets have Harvey. They had the Cy Young winner last year. We need to focus on our game, on what we can control. Fix the errors and heal the injuries. Dunno about Storen, I've had my doubts about him for a long time, but when he's good, he's very good.

Oh, I just hate that. So much more national coverage this year , and I never thought the guys did well on that stage. Would love to see one absolutely dominant game here soon. Would go a long way in the confidence department.

Mick,Brobergs 1st game was 6/18/71 because it was my 16th birthday and I was at the game 3 rows behind home plate. It was the last Senators game I ever went to. He was good for about 4 innings against the Red Sox but they figured out his fastball and he didn't really have anything else. The umpires wouldn't give him the black and he had to come down the middle. Bam!!! Sounds kind of familiar.

Seconded.baseballswami said…Anyway- it's been an awful week, especially in Boston and Texas. Hug your loved ones and try to enjoy our national pastime. Oh. And thank a law enforcement professional- they are the heroes, not the pro athletes. Go Nats!!!! April 20, 2013 9:21 AM

Harvey is dominant now because the league hasn't adjusted. They've adjusted to Strasburg's stuff, but he has not lost velocity, which has been a concern with David Price. I think he will figure it out. Det and Zimm have been pitching better, moving their fastballs in and around the zone effectively. I expect Stras to tweak his pitch sequences and adapt.

If Mike Morse were here, y'all would be yelling and screaming about his slump. 7 for 40 (.194) over the last two weeks. He's also injured yet again Natslady he has a fractured finger. Please make your reports in context.

Expansion you say, they were in their 10th year!When the owner is the GM what do you think happens? But, then I was still a little kid listening to all the games on the radio. My team could do no wrong. Still remember the day I went to a softball game and there was Jim Hannan playing fresh from his release by the Nats. The expansion team that only lasted 10 years … not much better than the Seattle Pilots methinks.